Our People in VIC
Nigel Hayes - Mildura
Mildura’s Nigel Hayes joined the Navy in 1999. Now the aviation specialist is on pirate patrol off the Horn of Africa aboard HMAS Parramatta.
The ship carries a Seahawk helicopter for reconnaissance missions, and it’s Nigel’s job to ensure it can fly.
Right from the start Nigel specialised in avionics (aviation electronics) and completed a trade certificate at HMAS Albatross, the Navy’s helicopter base on the coast of New South Wales.
“At sea my role is maintenance management. I make sure our helicopter is serviceable for the required missions” said Nigel.
“I am managing a team of seven at the moment, but when I am based at HMAS Albatross my team can be as large as twenty.”
“We get a big kick out of doing our job well, and there is fantastic social interaction between the team.”
Pirate patrol can be an intense business so Nigel is also hoping for some rest and relaxation when he returns to Australia.
“I am looking forward to a holiday and I’m keen to enjoy terra firma,” said Nigel.
This pirate patrol has not been Nigel’s first overseas deployment during his 12 years in uniform.
“I’ve been to East Timor and was deployed to Banda Aceh as part of the Tsunami relief mission,” said Nigel. “I’ve done so many things I would never have dreamed of.
“I’d like to continue to develop my career and possibly obtain a degree whilst still serving.”
Since departing Sydney on 26 September 2011 Nigel and his 180 shipmates have already conducted maritime security operations in the Gulf region and around the Horn of Africa; including counter-piracy and anti-smuggling operations in the Gulf of Aden; and supported counter-terrorism activities.
This is the 27th rotation by a RAN ship to the Middle East since 2001.
Further details of HMAS Parramatta and her deployment are available at the below link: http://www.navy.gov.au/HMAS_Parramatta